“Be an inspiration to others in public service” – Local official

“To be in the local government, and to survive, as well as to enjoy our stint in public service, it requires us to be inspired and to be an inspiration to others. Let us not underestimate the impact of our words, our actions, our stories.”

Thus, declared the City Planning, Development and Sustainability Office (CPDSO) head Arch. Donna Rillera Tabangin in her message during flag-raising rites, August 14, at City Hall led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan and other local officials and employees.

“Inspiration is not about grandiosity. Inspiration are those small pieces of authenticity that are unselfishly shared, which we willingly receive.  It is a two-way street, we give and we receive.  To inspire is something which we don’t consciously prepare for. And getting inspired sometimes happens unexpectedly,” she said.

To be an inspiration to others means being a mentor, be they young or old, since it can spark dreams to become better, Tabangin said, including being a friend, “to share our truths, to listen, to give and receive forbearance which make day-to-day challenges bearable.”

Other ways include: To be a leader, in big or small ways, to rejoice in our equal share of great achievements and understand our worst setbacks that provide lessons to others; to trust, to offer guidance, to graciously teach and share since they make meaningful impressions to others; a genuine smile that will tide us through the challenges of the week.

“Every one of us has the power to spark dreams of getting to a better state, to become better people for others. Inspiring people may never be recognized, nor will they be given medals. We might not even meet again those who have inspired us along the way. But still, let us be a daily inspiration to each other,” she stressed. – Gaby B. Keith